2026-27 Varsity

Varsity

The Varsity group is a high-performance program within the Podium Stream, specifically for swimmers aiming to compete at the highest levels of the sport, including national and international championships. This group provides a highly disciplined, individualized training environment supported by advanced training techniques and sports science to guide athletes toward elite competitive success.

Main Objectives

• Implement advanced training methodologies for peak athletic conditioning and efficiency.
• Refine all aspects of competitive performance, including starts, turns, and finishes.
• Develop sophisticated race strategies and tactical awareness for diverse events.
• Foster mental resilience, focus, and independent problem-solving.
• Achieve qualifying standards for National Championships and Olympic/Paralympic Trials.

Criteria

Target Age: 18 & Older as of March 15th
(While the target age provides general guidance, swimmers aged 14 and older may be considered to accommodate individual differences in growth, development, and experience.)

Ability:  Swimmers are evaluated based on Benchmark Training Sets and achieving National time standards. All group movements are at the exclusive discretion of the senior coaching staff.

Commitment: Advanced Commitment Swimmers are expected to maintain high attendance, demonstrate a dedicated work ethic, and participate regularly in sanctioned competitions, including the highest level competition they have qualified. 

Equipment

Swimmers must arrive fully prepared for each session with the following:

• Team Uniform: Olympians Swimming team gear must be worn at all practices, dryland sessions, and on deck. 
• Training Gear: Goggles, cap, kickboard, fins, paddles, band, pull buoy, and snorkel.*
• Dryland: Proper footwear (running shoes) is mandatory for all dryland sessions.

*The coaching staff will inform the group of the required brands / type of equipment required at the onset of the season.

Practice Schedule

The comprehensive program includes activation, swimming, dryland, and classroom sessions. Specific schedules for each location will be distributed to members by their group coach.

Competition

Swimmers in the Varsity group are expected to regularly participate in Swim BC sanctioned competitions, with a primary focus on achieving and maintaining qualifying standards for National Championships (e.g., Canadian Junior & Senior Championships, Olympic & Paralympic Trials). Participation in designated top-tier Invitational meets will be crucial for competitive preparation and experience. This group aims for peak performance and significant results at the highest levels of Canadian swimming. 

Registration

Registration for Varsity is year-long, covering the full 11-month competitive season from September through July.

Fees

Below is a summary of the fees for the Varsity group. For comprehensive details, please refer to the Financial Matters section of the 2026-27 Member Handbook.

• Member Registration Fee: $370.00 / Season A consolidated one-time annual fee due upon registration. It includes club administration, Swim BC/Swimming Canada membership, and the Team Uniform Starter Kit (including one white team t-shirt, one red team t-shirt, team swim cap, and one bag tag).
   
• Swim Challenge Assessment: $525.00 / Season A mandatory annual fee, due at time of registration, contributing to staffing and pool costs. This can be offset by earning sponsor pledges during the annual Swim Challenge event.
   
• Program Fees: Please contact the Olympians office for the current annual fee schedule.
   
• Payment Options:
  • Lump Sum: Due September 1st.
  • Installment Plan: 11 equal monthly payments with a 5% surcharge applied.

Important Notes

• Non-Refundable Policy: All fees are strictly non-refundable once committed.
   
• Processing Fees: Online payments incur fees for Credit Card (3.1% + $0.40) or Pre-Authorized Debit (1.2% + $0.50).